Opinion
2 January 2017 3236 comments
Mark Mark
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Sergio Aguero continues to create drama.

Today’s first act was an early afternoon bombshell from Manchester which sent shockwaves as Pep Guardiola’s teamsheet hit home.

Then, as the clock struck four, the second act followed: enter Aguero stage left to revive a ten-man City with a finish of sublime quality.

The full performance, spanning three hours, with Pep directing and Aguero as the dashing leading man, summed up our season so far with the Argentine.

It seems the days when Aguero settled in our squads and quietly went about the business of saving our Gameweeks are long gone.

Now the striker seems to insist on seeking the headlines and, just when we begin to settle on the idea of Aguero returning to his familiar groove, Pep intervenes with his own unpredictable flashes.

Some may have anticipated a benched Aguero against Burnley but I was certainly not among them.

Foolishly attempting to play “second guess Pep”, I presumed that he had earmarked the visit of the Clarets as an opportunity to ease Aguero back into goalscoring form.

Instead, according to his post-match comments, he looked to protect his striker from exertion following his unconvincing run-out at Anfield.

“He played 90 minutes after four games out and I did not consider him playing 90 minutes again after two days.”

That seems plausible but why start him on the bench rather than use him to get in front and then hook him early?

Match fitness is surely the issue, and, with a rest in the FA Cup tie next weekend on the cards, why not allow Aguero to regain that sharpness with a start?

Such questions and arguments fall on deaf ears: Pep doesn’t answer to me, other Fantasy managers and perhaps not even to the City fans. Judging by his post-match interview, he barely answers to journalists.

We know he plays by his own rules and that those rules are so often hideously difficult to decipher.

By the end of act two, Aguero had delivered. A seven point return isn’t perhaps a cause for celebration for the 135,000 who transferred him in, or indeed the 11% who gave him the armband. But it came as a huge relief given the reaction at 2pm.

However, do today’s events add to the doubts and concerns surrounding Peps approach to Aguero?

Given that City’s Champions League campaign will accelerate again in February and, by that time, they may even be cast adrift in the title race, will Pep’s attitude to Aguero’s pitch time hinder the striker’s potential further?

There is also another factor.

Gabriel Jesus is now a Manchester City player. A precocious talent, Pep has made it clear that he is about to become another option.

“Now Gabriel Jesus is coming so we will have of course three strikers who can sense a goal.”

This won’t help matters.

We had doubts already but Pep’s approach and teamsheet for Burnley’s visit to the Etihad, just day’s after losing ground following the defeat to Liverpool, has perhaps compounded matters.

Following two acts of ill-discipline, we’re not sure if we can trust Aguero. We’re also not sure if Pep can be trusted to get him on the pitch in the first place.

Aguero had the final say with another reminder of his brilliance. We know the quality he brings but are we willing to risk the hefty fee to buy into the circus that comes with it?

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. Moose™
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Siggy --> Cabaye?

    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No

      1. Moose™
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Stanislas? Allen?

        1. BROOKLYN GOONER
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Stanislas for me. Averaging 5.4ppg, has Hull, Watford, Palace next, and costs only 5.1. What's not to like?

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Decent move

    3. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No

    4. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Got any other options

    5. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I want to see Cabaye do something before I consider him

  2. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    A little foggy on the date
    A couple of years ago I brought in Giroud and captainded
    Early RC in the first game
    I never learn

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      learn what?

      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        He going to bully the next 3 GW
        and he is on my squad

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Hope so. Was 11pts in front of ML last game of last season so didn't take hit to do Carroll>Giroud. This is my hit this week. Hope another hat trick

  3. Cofinho
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Wc team
    Heaton Jaku
    Brunt Ake Alonso Rose Baines
    Sanchez Ali Lallana Philips Snodgrass
    Ibra Costa Crouch
    0.8 in the bank
    Thoughts? Considering someone instead Snodgrass but idk who. Cheers

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      decent, but i would defo include an arsenal defender, remove snodgrass, and crouch. consider mirallas maybe and a cheap forward, or just go 352 like most on wc, not much value in the third striker budget.

      1. Cofinho
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks appreciate it.

  4. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Price Changes - 3rd January 2017

    🔼 Giroud, A.Gray, Clyne, Lallana, Valdés, Phillips, Rondón

    🔽 Gibbs, Moses, Cleverley, Niasse, Karius, Moreno, Matip, Henderson, Cédric, Austin, Chadli, Kane, Lanzini, Pope, Llorente, Bastón, Janmaat, Fernandes, Henriksen

    1. Winks Club
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers

      1. Winks Club
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        1 up, 2 down. Disappointed that Kane dropped

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Lallana still went up lol

    3. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No ali rise!

    4. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Kane fell!

    5. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks TM!

    6. Viprin
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Mane still won't go down

    7. EDEN THE MAN
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Alli and Pogba didn't rise. LOL

    8. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Also how does kane drop after his haul last GW??

      1. Rossamous
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        More of a differential than Costa, and right now, that's what I need so I'm keeping for now

    9. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      +2.0

      Why are people selling Kane? I sold him a few weeks back and sort of regret it.

    10. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      ta. One riser and he got 0 points 😆 glad mane survived

    11. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Kane fell i cant believe it

      1. Neeskens Under Matip
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Aguero requires major surgery...

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I can still bring him in for free if i want to i brought Kane for 10.8 way back

    12. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      O up, 0 down! #GoodDays

    13. roy keanes dog
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      when does this take effect?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Not long before posting.

    14. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Kane? This season :rolls:

      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        🙄
        That's better

    15. AA33
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks TM.

        Kane gets a haul and falls. Valdes doesn't play and rises. Strange.

      • Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Hope Kane punishes sellers again

      • fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Kane a season keeper now for anyone? If he keeps dropping, the only guys cheaper than him would be Lukaka, Defoe and other rubbish strikers. And everyone knows, he is in another league compared to those (FPL wise).

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I cant see myself selling him he is going to have a solid output imo
          Aguero seems like a massive risk with Pep CL and the Jesus factor

          1. fedolefan
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah, that's what. He will get his braces when in form.

          2. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yup I'm keeping for now

      • Whats the Huth
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        No brunt rise surprised me

        Kane falling. Hmmm. May go Kane over Aguero

    16. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      New Players:

      Harry Lewis - Southampton, 4.0, Goalkeeper
      Michael Ledger - Sunderland, 4.0, Defender

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        No Jesus?

        1. Pierce34
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Michael Ledger is a better differential.

        2. rainy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Not yet. Will be interesting to see how he fits in to the side

          1. Ógie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Indeed

          2. Captain Blanks
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Don't know much about him, what's his position/do you think he'll get starts?

            1. Ógie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              With the guy he is going to be working for he should be classed as a mid but by trade he is a number 9

    17. EDEN THE MAN
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      What do you think Pogba vs Alli stats for the season will be.

      Alli:12Goals 7 Assists
      Pogba10 Goals. 14Assists?

      1. Captain Blanks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Alli will beat that barring injury, he's already on 8G 4A.
        Reckon Pogba might reach 11G 9A

      2. Odikostar
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Alli could
        Pogba won't

      3. kalmoffit
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Alli to only score four more?

    18. DF
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      for all you crazy cats doing the wild thing....
      have a heart...
      http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/WC/CreateWCID

      1. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Why?

        Random price changes are better

        1. DF
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I like things neat and tidy

    19. Captain Blanks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Looking for Siggy replacements, is a 3 week punt on Walcott worthwhile?
      Swansea (A), Burnley (H), Watford (H) next 3

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I looked at it. Not convinced he'll start enough from now with Giroud's form

        1. Captain Blanks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Indeed. If he starts tomorrow would that convince you?

        2. Cok3y5murf
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          He plays on the right wing.

      2. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Lets see if he is fit or not

    20. evilfish
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Would you play Phillips away to Spurs or Capoue home to Middlesbrough?

      1. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Philips

    21. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Zaha and firmino out for coutinho and Antonio.
      Looks good?

      1. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Nah

        1. The Overthinker
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          What do you reckon?

          1. Holmes
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Lets wait for remaining games... Not sure about Coutinho and Antonio to be honest. You have Pogba/Alli?

      2. Odikostar
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Too early

      3. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Zaha out before Swans at home

    22. woody3260
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Lukaku, Phillips, Williams
      OR
      Origi, Alli, Bertrand?

    23. Odikostar
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      A with brunt

    24. Odikostar
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Just panic transfered in Bellerin in for cedric. Already regret not getting baines

      1. King Klopp
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Brought Baines in with 2 mins left Before deadline this wekk

        1. Odikostar
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Good job then :/

      2. BROOKLYN GOONER
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Bellerin has Swansea/Burnley/Watford next. It could still work out well for you.

      3. Dynamo Chicken
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        You made the right choice

    25. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Do we still think Brunt is the pick of the bunch at that price with him probably falling back to LB?

      Also any news on Barragan?

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Ya Brunt is a class leader in that bracket

      2. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Yup.

      3. Too Mane Men
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        He managed 11 assists playing mainly at LB a few seasons ago. He's a wonderful man.

    26. K-win
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Would you prefer Alli in a 3-5-2 or Defoe in a 3-4-3 where snod rotates with phillips?

      1. Reggie Nainggolan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Second one sounds more flexible with a stronger squad

        1. K-win
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah i like the flexibility, but having Erikson and Alli could pay out well. The Defoe option would be for -4 which is why i'm hesitating...

    27. cuervos
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Holebas to
      a)VVD
      b)Baines
      c)Aké
      Zaha to
      1)Walcott
      2)Sterling
      3)Alli*
      *If Aké

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Ake has scored as many points as Costa the last 7 games they have played

      2. BROOKLYN GOONER
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        ake/alli

      3. Odikostar
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Baines

      4. Reggie Nainggolan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Ake alli

    28. TJ_777
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      From WBA website

      "ALLAN Nyom will report to Cameroon this week to discuss his role in his nation's Africa Cup of Nations campaign this month."

      http://mobile.wba.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/allan-nyom-cameroon-african-cup-of-nations-west-brom-albion-3497167.aspx

      if u haven't transferred him out I would wait until a definitive yes or no.

      1. Shultan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        So he is going to cameroon in person to tell them he doesn't want to play?!

        1. fedolefan
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Don't they have the interwebs in Cameroon?

    29. UnitedXCI
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Grant foster
      Alonso Walker Holebas jones ake
      Haz Sanchez Antonio llalana de roon
      Negredo ibra Costa

      2FT 0.4 ITB
      Antonio + negredo -> Phillips + Defoe ???

      1. Reggie Nainggolan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Yes

      2. Reggie Nainggolan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        And eventually holebas other than that good team. Jelous

    30. Emp
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      phillips seemed to be taking corners today , thought brunty was on set pieces or is it just free kicks?

      1. kalmoffit
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Phillips from the left, Brunt from the right?

      2. Too Mane Men
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        They kind if share duties from what I've seen. I think Phillips has been taking more recently though.

        1. Emp
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          ok ta

    31. ReggaeChels
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Can someone please explain selling price of a player changes as a result of the change in the market value of the player? I am somewhat new to the game and always wondered how that works. Thanks in advance.

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Look under transfers

        2. ReggaeChels
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks for your response. I have seen that page but I was wondering the basis of the calculations.

    32. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Got Stanislas and Kane in to avoid Llorente and Mane price falls

      Kane falls + Mane doesn't...

      1. Reggie Nainggolan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Ouch

      2. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        That is Cruel
        Kane might score well and go up again though

      3. Shultan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Mane will fall soon so its not too bad

    33. janowsc
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      What are Mane owners thinking? Spurs mid depending on tomorrow? Is couts fit?

      1. janowsc
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I mean Wednesday....

      2. Emp
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        alli

      3. Cok3y5murf
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Got Lallana

    34. joescores
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers to the guy he advised that Llorente's price won't drop when I bought him for 6,3. He is now 6,2....

      1. Shultan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        In your original message you said the wrong current price of 6.4. So you cant blame the guy, you said the wrong number

        1. joescores
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Jeez, has he dropped already twice since last week? Apologies, my bad!

    35. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      If you could have only one:

      A) Carroll

      B) Antonio

      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Certainly wouldn't want both!!!!

        B is better pick but A easier to fit in if that makes sense.

        I guess iy just comes down to Carrolls fitness, of course he's a good pick but he's that price for a reason.

        1. BananaNose Maldonado
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks for the response.

          I certainly didn't mean to imply that I was considering both 🙂

          It's more that I know I need to move on from Can and Origi. So I'm looking at Carroll and Stanislas (as a fifth mid) or Barnes and Antonio - just for a short term differential as I sort of like their fixtures.

          I figure with Feghouli and Ayew out, and the fixture pileup behind us, Carroll should be assured of starts if he's fit.

          1. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah I know, it was a bit tongue in cheek.
            Just had a peek at your team and I'm not convinced either of those moves will improve your team imo.
            I'd be tempted to save as I think Barnes/Antonio will probably stink up your team in no time at all.
            The Carroll option does have appeal as Stanislas is a good punt but I just worry Carroll lets us down time and time again.
            Punty but it's your call.

            I'm being a bit cautious at moment as I reckon any hits will be better served in the weeks to come and it's always a difficult period over this fixture period - better to get burned NOT making hits.

            1. BananaNose Maldonado
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah, your comments are fair. I'm having a decent season so far - should be close to 5K by the end of the week - and have mostly taken the long view for all transfers. But I admit that Pool at ManU has me a little anxious about having both Origi and Can.

              Unfortunately, Rondon's price rise has priced me out of the planned move of Origi to Rondon (I have 0.0 in the bank), so I'm looking at alternatives. The other thing I considered was Clyne to Baines and Origi to Rondon, but I might just be chasing points.

              Anyway, thanks for listening and for the feedback.

      2. Ruth_NZ
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Antonio.

        I think he's a perfect 'set and forget' option in midfield. For 6.8m what do people expect? He really has done nothing wrong at all this season.

        Anyone with any sense will be aiming to take zero hits in the next 10 gameweeks or so.

    36. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Doomed in the cup FML

      He has +16 Azpi Costa

      vs

      Grant Ake Alonso(Holebas) Giroud

      1. noquarternt
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        16 + 2 + 2 = 20

        2 + 2 + 0 (2) + 2 = 6

        Not looking good.

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Need Grant CS max baps and Giroud minimum brace probably

    37. King Klopp
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Redmond to Phillips?

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Tough. Nothing else to do? Doesn't seem urgent

    38. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Play Two:

      Phillips - Spurs Away
      Diomande - Bournemouth Home
      Baines - Man City Home

      1. noquarternt
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Phillips and Baines. No question.

    39. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Disappointed with some of these price changes.

      My team value is really going to drop the next week or so

    40. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Did Alonso to Baines on FT
      Might get Alonso back for Hull game.
      Any injury news confirming his absence 3-4 weeks

      1. King Klopp
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Same here

    41. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Well we are in the DZ now